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Fixing Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices — Answers

Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the 4th Grade punctuation worksheet.

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Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheet4th Grade · English · Punctuation

Fixing Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices — Answers

Part A: Spot the problem

A run-on sentence joins two complete thoughts with nothing between them. A comma splice joins them with only a comma. Circle the right answer.

1.Which is a run-on sentence?
  1. AThe storm was loud.
  2. BThe storm was loud we hid under the blanket.
  3. CThe storm was loud, so we hid under the blanket.
  4. DThe storm was loud. We hid under the blanket.

Answer: The storm was loud we hid under the blanket.

It joins two complete thoughts with no punctuation and no joining word.

2.Which is a comma splice?
  1. AI like soccer, but my sister likes tennis.
  2. BI like soccer. My sister likes tennis.
  3. CI like soccer, my sister likes tennis.
  4. DI like soccer and tennis.

Answer: I like soccer, my sister likes tennis.

Two complete thoughts are joined by only a comma. A comma alone is not strong enough.

3.Which sentence is correct?
  1. AOur team won we celebrated.
  2. BOur team won, we celebrated.
  3. COur team won, so we celebrated.
  4. DOur team won so, we celebrated.

Answer: Our team won, so we celebrated.

A comma plus the conjunction so correctly joins the two complete thoughts.

4.Which word can join two complete thoughts after a comma?
  1. Abecause
  2. Bbut
  3. Cthen
  4. Dalso

Answer: but

But is a coordinating conjunction, like and, or, and so. A comma and then is still a comma splice.

Part B: Fix it with an end mark

Split each run-on into two sentences. Add an end mark and start the second sentence with a capital letter.

5.The puppy was tired it fell asleep on the rug.

Answer: The puppy was tired. It fell asleep on the rug.

6.We went to the store, it was closed.

Answer: We went to the store. It was closed.

7.Look at the sky it is turning orange.

Answer: Look at the sky. It is turning orange.

An exclamation point after sky would also be correct: Look at the sky! It is turning orange.

Part C: Fix it with a comma and a conjunction

Join the two thoughts with a comma and and, but, or, or so. Choose the word that makes sense.

8.I wanted to play outside it was raining.

Answer: I wanted to play outside, but it was raining.

But shows a contrast between wanting to play and the rain.

9.The bread was warm, we ate it right away.

Answer: The bread was warm, so we ate it right away.

So shows that eating it was the result of it being warm.

10.You can ride the bus you can walk with me.

Answer: You can ride the bus, or you can walk with me.

Or shows a choice between two things.

11.Kai brought the snacks Lena brought the drinks.

Answer: Kai brought the snacks, and Lena brought the drinks.

And adds a second, similar idea.

Part D: Edit the paragraph

The paragraph has three problems: two run-ons and one comma splice.

Edit this paragraph.

Armadillos are small mammals that live in Texas they have a hard shell made of bony plates. Armadillos dig with their strong claws, they look for insects to eat. Most armadillos sleep during the day they come out to eat in the evening and at night.

12.Rewrite the paragraph with no run-on sentences or comma splices.

Answer: Armadillos are small mammals that live in Texas. They have a hard shell made of bony plates. Armadillos dig with their strong claws, and they look for insects to eat. Most armadillos sleep during the day. They come out to eat in the evening and at night.

Any correct fix is fine. For example, the second fix could be two sentences (Armadillos dig with their strong claws. They look for insects to eat.), and the last could use a comma and so or and.

Part E: True or false?

Circle True or False.

13.A comma by itself can join two complete sentences.

Answer: False

A comma alone makes a comma splice. Add a conjunction like and, but, or so, or use a period.

14.A run-on sentence can be fixed by splitting it into two sentences.

Answer: True

15.And, but, or, and so can join two complete thoughts after a comma.

Answer: True

Part F: Your turn

16.Write three sentences about your weekend. Each sentence must join two complete thoughts with a comma and and, but, or so.

Model answer: On Saturday I went to the park, and I played basketball with my cousins. I wanted to stay longer, but it started to get dark. I was hungry when I got home, so my mom made quesadillas.

Success criteria:

  • Each sentence joins two complete thoughts
  • A comma comes before the conjunction
  • The conjunction makes sense (and adds, but contrasts, so shows a result)
  • No run-on sentences or comma splices
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Marking tips

  • Give credit for correct method even when the final answer slips — the working shows where the thinking went right.
  • For open-ended tasks, use the success criteria as a checklist rather than looking for one "right" answer.
  • Celebrate what went well first, then pick one thing to work on next.

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